The Role

As Metafuels’ Instrumentation & Controls Engineer you will play an integral role in the development, deployment, and continuous improvement of our new and innovative proprietary aerobrew sustainable aviation fuel production technology. You will be at the heart of the development of a new technology that will help to solve one of the toughest engineering challenges in the global energy transition, namely the decarbonisation of aviation. By supporting Metafuels to achieve its ambition of enabling affordable aviation for all without it costing the earth, you will have a measurable positive impact on the future of our society and planet.

The Responsibility

Your principal objectives are to take the lead and be Metafuels’ expert on all Instrumentation and control topics. Across the development, deployment and continuous improvement of the Company’s technology, you will ensure the efficient progress and integration of these topics, working closely with the technical and engineering teams and interfacing with external consultants.

Job Description

The Instrumentation & Controls Engineer will be part of the engineering team. Your activities will centre on achieving the following goals:

For Metafuels’ demonstration plant located at the Paul Scherrer Institut in Villigen, Aargau

• Act as technical owner for all instrumentation, control system and LV control system infrastructure aspects of Metafuels’ demonstration plant (wiring, MCCs, control panels, field instrumentation, PLC/SCADA).
• Verify that low-voltage electrical installations related to control and instrumentation systems comply with relevant standards and project specifications, and define/approve any modifications.
• Troubleshoot and implement changes to the control system (logic, I/O, interfaces), either directly or by working with the automation vendor.
• Support site commissioning activities, ensuring safe start‑up and reliable operation of the Demo plant.
• Provide ongoing support throughout Demo plant operations, including troubleshooting, plant upgrades and modifications, etc.

For Metafuels’ commercial projects

• Serve as Metafuels’ subject matter expert for instrumentation, controls and LV control system infrastructure in all discussions with engineering contractors and suppliers.
• Act as owner’s engineer in your discipline: review and comment on engineering deliverables (SLDs, load lists, cable schedules, control narratives, cause & effect, instrument index, instrument datasheets, panel layouts, etc.).
• Support the project engineering manager in decisionmaking on instrumentation, control systems and LV interface topics, enabling clear and informed communication between owner’s team, the engineering contractor and owner’sengineer consultants.
• Coordinate and manage external specialist consultants in your discipline to ensure all documents are checked, commented and approved on time.

Skills and Requirements

• Degree in Electrical / Automation / Control Engineering (FH/University)
• At least five (5) years’ of direct I&C experience in process or chemical plant projects.
• Strong knowledge of industrial power distribution and control systems (LV distribution, MCCs, instrumentation, PLC/SCADA, safety systems).
• Experience with FAT and SAT for instrumentation and control systems in industrial or process plant environments.
• Handson commissioning and troubleshooting experience for electrical and control systems in an industrial environment.
• Familiarity with relevant standards and best practice (LVD, EMC, functional safety, ATEX).
• Comfortable reviewing engineering documentation and constructively challenging EPCM and vendors.
• A pragmatic, ownermindset.
• Clear communicator in English, with German a strong advantage.

Company description

Metafuels is a start-up company founded by three experienced energy professionals. The company has developed a power to fuels process, aerobrew, for the production of sustainable aviation fuel starting with renewable power and sustainably sourced CO₂. The next phase of the company’s development is the installation and operation of a pilot plant to be located in Switzerland. In addition, the company is engaging with various strategic partners for the development of the first pioneer projects that will produce the first aerobrew sustainable aviation fuel for the market. The company has a relaxed informal style but has a steely determination to achieve its objectives.

Location: The position will be based in Switzerland in the Zürich area.